Platform Architecture
Understand how Layers’ platform components work together in a hierarchical system to deliver powerful search and merchandising capabilities.
Platform Layer Hierarchy
Layers is built on a hierarchical architecture where each layer builds upon the previous ones, creating a powerful and flexible e-commerce search and merchandising platform. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for effectively configuring and optimizing your store’s search experience.
Layer Details
1. Foundation Layer: Attributes
Product attributes form the base of the entire system. These include properties that determine how products can be manipulated in higher layers:
is_filterable: Enables faceted search and filteringis_sortable: Allows use in sort orders and rankingis_searchable: Makes attributes queryable in search
2. Sorting Layer: Sort Orders & Sequences
Built on top of attributes, this layer handles product ordering:
- Global Sequences: Product groupings that apply across all collections
- Collection-Specific Sequences: Targeted groupings for specific collections
- Sort Orders: Configurable ranking using conditions, attributes, and weighted groups
3. Collection Layer: Product Groupings
Collections organize products into logical groups:
- Shopify Collections: Native collection support
- Structured Navigation: Hierarchical product organization
- Sequence Integration: Works with the sequence system for consistent ordering
4. Merchandising Layer: Rules & Overrides
The highest priority layer that can override all lower layers:
- Manual Pinning: Precise control over product positioning
- Auto-Pin Expressions: Automated rules based on product attributes
- Rule Priority: Merchandising rules take precedence over sort orders and sequences
5. Search & Browse Experience
The final layer that delivers unified experiences to customers:
- Text Search: Semantic search with typo tolerance
- Image Search: Visual product discovery
- Browse Collections: Merchandised collection pages
- Similar Products: AI-powered recommendations
Data Flow and Priority
Sequence Architecture
Key Principles
- Hierarchical Override: Higher layers can override lower layer configurations
- Flexible Scoping: Sequences operate at both global and collection levels
- Unified Experience: All search types benefit from the same underlying architecture
- Attribute Foundation: Everything builds upon properly configured attributes
This architecture ensures that your search and merchandising configurations work together harmoniously while providing the flexibility to customize experiences at multiple levels.